Acne is caused from excess oils on the skin that build up and form lesions called pimples. The back and chest are two areas where it is common to form acne. By the way, back acne is “affectionately” known as “bacne”.
Since the skin is much tougher in those areas, it is more difficult to treat the acne. This makes is very necessary to treat these areas with a different set of skin care products. The back is also in constant contact with clothing and other materials that might irritate the skin, which can further aggravate the condition.
The sure fire way to knock out this type of acne is to find a daily skin regimen that especially geared towards this type of acne and stick to it. This includes a cleanser, lotion, and possibly a moisturizer. Glycolic acid is also said to work well with such a regimen, but I’m against using acids on your skin. (I mean the goverment considers anything containing more than 10% glycolic acid as hazardous. Industrial uses for this acid is rust removal and engine degreasing. Ouch!)
You also need to focus your attention on finding the cause of your back acne. For instance, heavy backpacks that are worn across the upper shoulders and part of the back can rub the dyes in your clothing into your back and aggravate the skin in that area. If you carry one, especially on a daily basis, and have particular trouble with acne in these areas, try switching to a shoulder bag or a case with carry handles. Once your acne clears up, try wearing the backpack again. If the irritation returns, you will know at least part of the cause, and may consider other alternatives instead. (Keep in mind, there is no solid, scientific proof that back packs = bacne. This is my reasoning.)
The clothing you wear can also affect and irritate your acne. Tight clothing can cause the following chain of events. The tight clothing rubs against your skin. Your skin gets irritated and sweaty. The sweat, in turn, causes excess oil build-up. Acne is formed by the clogged pores. Rough clothing is also bad for acne-prone areas for obvious reasons. (Keep in mind, there is no solid, scientific proof that tight clothes = bacne. This is my reasoning.)
Like other forms of acne, back acne can be mild, moderate, or severe. It is very important to recognize the type and severity of your condition so you can treat it accordingly. Skin type also plays a part in the treatment of acne. Different skin types require different treatments, and react differently to products.
If you are using over-the-counter products that don’t seem to be working to clear up your back acne, seek the advice and care of a physician who can help you find a treatment that is right for you. You might also want to try alternative methods like vinegar.
(c) 2007 Joey Pinkney and JoeyPinkney.com
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